My TransOvaLog In
Jun 28, 2024
by Diane Broek
We encourage clients to store their genetic preservation (GP) and express tissue bank (ETB) samples at Trans Ova Genetics rather than in their tanks at home.
We charge a small storage fee after the first anniversary of the GP and ETB sample production. Many clients ask if they should store their samples in their liquid nitrogen (LN2) tanks at home to avoid storage fees, and our quick answer is no. Many differences exist between farm storage tanks and our tanks at TOG:
TOG’s storage occurs in a vapor phase vat, which reduces the chance of picking up a virus, etc. during storage. Yes, although LN2 is very cold (-193 degrees C) it can still harbor viruses that could contaminate your samples. Your farm tank will store the samples immersed in LN2. A vapor phase vat stores them in the vapors just above the actual LN2.
In general, the LN2 in your farm tank is quite dirty. You go in and out of that tank many times, and sediment will build up from canes of semen or embryos. An on-farm tank is not ideal in terms of keeping your samples “clean”. Unless you scrupulously clean/sterilize your tanks with Vircon every year, and use only virgin liquid nitrogen, we do not recommend it. At TOG, use virgin liquid nitrogen to fill our tanks and keep the tanks in clean, climate-controlled areas.
Our trained staff monitors the LN2 tanks/vats at TOG daily to avoid any catastrophic reductions in LN2 that could indicate a tank failure—giving us time to move items if we need to secure storage. Is your tank on the farm monitored multiple times per day with level alarms?
Cell lines and tissue samples are stored in cryo vials, not straws like semen and embryos. Handling these items is very specialized and requires training and appropriate equipment. It would be very difficult to handle the vials properly in an on-farm situation, were you to ship them or transfer them. Inappropriate handling can result in lack of performance by the cells to produce embryos after cloning.
Should you have any questions about ETB or GP storage, we encourage you to contact us today.
Diane M. Broek
Advanced Technology Sales and Production Manager
Diane.broek@transova.com
Learn more about Trans Ova’s Genetic Preservation and Cloning services in our blog or on our website.